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Auction House:Dunbar Sloane Ltd.Number of lots recorded:196
Sale Title:The Peter Herbert Collection and New Zealand Historical AuctionLots with images:131
Auction Location:AucklandPrices available:125
Date:16-Nov-2009
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Colonial couch c.1870 This simple kauri day bed (or miner's couch) is distinguished by the wellexecuted graduated turnings and elegantly shaped backboard, the design takes its structural elements from contemporaneous beds utilizing slats for support and bed bolts to hold it together. Length 201 cm Ref: furniture of the New Zealand Colonial Era, p 25
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Auckland secretaire chest. In Victorian times rimu was valued highly as a decorative timber, typified by its use in this Auckland chest as the feature timber, with kauri as the secondary timber used for unseen construction elements. This tall and handsome chest was clearly intended to impress with its stature and strong well-proportioned lines. Belying the restrained exterior however the top long drawer opens to reveal an exquisitely crafted secretaire with fitted drawers and compartments. This chest of…
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Waitara Wedding Chest 1907 Reputably made by a Waitara man for his sister's wedding, this chest of drawers makes bold use of its maker's limited skills as a cabinetmaker. The unusual drawer configuration, with the top 'long drawer' split in two, is both useful and rendered highly decorative by the use of puriri, mottled kauri and compression rimu. This style of furniture, broadly described as 'primitive', incorporates skills less sophisticated than formally trained cabinet-makers, and is representative of…
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Mottled kauri table c.1890, the outstanding feature of this table is the well-shaped and well proportioned apron running beneath the drawers, while also making good use of well figured kauri facings to its two drawers, probably part of a bedroom suite, this table is missing its rear up-stand. Height 79 cm. Width 107 cm
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Stencilled Games Table c.1880 This rare and important table, from an early house on Napier Hill, demonstrates a degree of sophistication that belies its simple colonial construction. The turned kauri tripod base has a solid and heavy look firmly identifying its colonial origins. The top adds an unusual degree of decorative finesse. Covered with a stencilled imported (probably American) veneer and then partially grained to resemble a fashionable walnut finish, the dark finish has been used to merge the top…
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Winks & Hall card table c.1885 This exceptional card or games table is attributed to the substantial cabinetmaking firm Winks & Hall who commenced trade c.1863 and continued through to the 1930's in their Shortland Street premises. Extensive use is made of burr totara, figured puriri and rewarewa, the top of the table folds open and rotates to provide a baize-lined playing surface. As the top rotates a storage compartment for cards is revealed, the overall design of the table has lost the full exuberance…
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An Exceptional Anton Seuffert Parquetry Floral Pattern Card Table. This table represents one of the more complex and free flowing of the Seuffert 'standard patterns', the Fern & Clematis design. Similar to a table presented to Countess Aberdeen in 1887, this top is likely to comprise 5,824 pieces of timber, each one laid with such precision that the pattern flows effortlessly. The practice of inlaying marquetry into detailed parquetry background patterns is an endearing feature of this top. It is an…
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An Anton Seuffert Parquetry Star Pattern Card Table. This variant on the 'standard' Seuffert Star pattern was located in Auckland. The Star design is amongst the oldest parquetry patterns used by Anton Seuffert, the earliest known example dating from prior to 1869. This example exhibits a pattern variation from norm with an additional pale veneer border around the outer edges of the star pattern. The veneers on the top have retained strong colouring and the substrate timber has remained stable, making this…
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A miniature mottled kauri and Puriri chest c.1900 Extravagant use of highly figured timbers in this miniature chest could indicate that it was made as a sample piece, perhaps by an apprentice developing his skills without wasting expensive materials. As a sample, the cabinetmaker or retailer could demonstrate the effect of the timbers and intended design elements, the plinth base and turned knobs place this chest in the later part of the colonial period. Height 32 cm. Width 41 cm. Depth 24 cm Also refer…
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South north kauri mail tray originally from the Levin railway station, this site-specific tray's function for sorting mail is self evident. It is unusual to find objects with original paint finishes still largely intact. Width 47 cm. Height 14 cm. Depth 27 cm
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Rimu cutlery box c.1875 unusually this rimu cutlery tray has hinged covers to keep the dust at bay, the well-shaped handle and sloping side make this a desirable item of domestic Ware. Width 42 cm. Depth 27 cm
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Chip-carved Art & Crafts period chest c.1900 This chip-carved box chest is an extremely good example of its genre and is rare in both its form and the extensive nature of the carving, which was often confined to smaller objects such as trays and jewellery boxes, the Victorian era was characterised by historical revivals, with earlier eras mined for design inspiration and re-interpretation, including Egyptian, Grecian and Jacobean. Medi'val chip-carved oak coffers inspired new expression in the Art of…
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Chip-carved Art & Crafts Period Table c.1900 This table, similar to that shown on p190 Furniture of the New Zealand Colonial Era is a finely executed example of chip-carving, and perhaps the inclusion of the butterfly pattern on the lower shelf is indicative of a feminine carver. As part of the Arts & Crafts movement and as an indicator of a more settled and prosperous life in New Zealand, chip-carving was often adopted as a pastime by the leisured. It was not unusual for a husband to produce an object…
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Kauri bureau desk c.1870 This restrained fall front desk is reminiscent of European bureau desks of the early part of the 19th C, and relies on good quality kauri and subtle detailing for effect, the shield shaped patterns on the lower doors were a popular design element in colonial New Zealand and in this situation have been used to contrast the inset paneled top section, the front falls to reveal the original writing surface and a fitted interior in keeping with the exterior. This desk is reputed to have…
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Miniature kauri table This delightful table, with its well defined turned legs and simple edge detail, indicate an intent rather than a miniaturisation of an actual table. In a colonial context it is unusual to find a square dining table, although some do exist as the collapsed version of an extension table. Also refer lot 102
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Tapestry covered kauri footstool c.1865 It is extraordinary to find an object of this age with an almost intact tapestry, the tapestry appears to have been purpose made for this simple kauri footstool. Pieces of this nature are very rare as they seldom survive the rigors of everyday life. Depth 30 cm
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Rimu hall chair c.1885 originally designed for use in the great houses of England, hall chairs in New Zealand colonial houses were typically no more than a decorative element adding an air of elegance to the entrance way, their small scale and stiff upright backs are explained by their original usage. Never intended for comfort they were placed outside the internal rooms of grand houses where servants or callers of lower social status would perch until summonsed into the room. This example is particularly…
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A Carved Kauri Fire Surround, decorated with five painted panels attributed to Charles Heaphy. Top left panel depicts Mt Egmont, opposite panel depicts the White Terraces, Tarawera, whilst the other three are decorated with floral motifs. Height 126 cm Width 162 cm Provenance: Purchased at auction C1992 in Auckland. Puportedly from Charles Heaphy's house in Auckland
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Miniature dressing table c.1890 miniature versions of furniture were frequently made during the New Zealand colonial period, sometimes as an apprentice piece, at other times as novel jewellery boxes, desk compendiums, or more functionally as easily transportable and storable makers' samples. This kauri example incorporates burr totara drawer fronts and originally copper-plated Art Nouveau handles, the bevelled mirror dates this piece as being post 1880. Height 63 cm. Width 46 cm. Depth 24 cm
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Miniature writing bureau c.1875 This very fine example was evidently designed and made as a desk compendium, the front lifts up to reveal a fitted interior complete with period ink stains as an indicator of its actual use, the use of brass ring pull handles is unusual, and feature timbers include mottled kauri, rewarewa and rimu. Height 64 cm. Width 44 cm. Depth 24 cm
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Totara and Rewarewa portable writing desk in an age of letter writing, before the advent of fountain pens, portable writing desks were a useful accessory. The desk could be easily transported when travelling and stored between uses at home. The desk opens to reveal compartments for the keeping of nibs, ink-bottles and paper. Despite their popularity at the time the colonial portable desk is now rare. This Auckland example is made from rewarewa and burr totara with a kahikatea interior. Width 36 cm Depth 24…
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Rotorua inlaid portable writing desk This intaglio (where timber veneers are inserted into the surface rather than over the surface) portable writing desk was found in Rotorua. Constructed from oak and red cedar and then inlaid with a variety of native timbers, the inclusion of 'Ink bottles' made from totara burr add another level of interest to this charmingly naive desk. The writing surface is correctly lined with leather and the brass hinges appear to have been adapted specifically for the purpose of…
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Primitive Inlaid box This particular box, incorporating thick hand cut veneers and displaying unsophisticated workmanship, is difficult to accurately date. While clearly an amateur piece, and lacking in the sophistication of a genre popular as show pieces of our native timbers, it is nevertheless enhanced by the use of a brass escutcheon (key hole), and was probably made as a hobbyist's personal jewellery box. Width 37 cm Depth 23 cm Height 19 cm
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Arts & Crafts period box seat style stool, c. 1890. The Arts & Crafts period is named such for the reaction against the mechanisation of the industrial revolution, accompanied by a renewed interest in the evidence of 'honest' hand working, encompassing small items right through to large homes. This small box seat is a finely crafted example from this period, boldly displaying its simplicity and the strength of its structural elements. Height 48 cm Width 55 cm
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Rotating Cabinet c. 1885 This strangely ecclesiastical neo-Gothic font-like cabinet was probably intended to be a folly or novelty, such as Victorians were fond of. It uses carved detailing where veneering would have been easier and quicker, it has six doors accessing a single internal cavity where perhaps one or even two would have sufficed, and as if to emphasis its maker's cleverness, it rotates on a fixed base. When made, the glass knobs would have been newly available and highly fashionable and the…
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An H. B. Dobbie New Zealand native timber fern specimen cabinet made in Whangarei. This very important historical cabinet was constructed and carved by H. B. Dobbie (b.1852 England, arrived in New Zealand after 1875 and died 1940). Herbert Dobbie was an engineer, traveller, writer, botanist and expert wood carver. He travelled extensively on his penny farthing bicycle and on foot collecting ferns as he went in order to collate the first book on New Zealand ferns in 1880. He built a house and a fernery in…
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W.A. Jewell glove box c.1895 inlaid glove boxes, such as this fine example, were popular during the colonial period. W.H Jewell established himself as a cabinetmaker in Christchurch about 1875 and he and his family, including W.A. Jewell, continued in the trade well into the 20th century. This labeled box displays some very typical Jewell features including the use of Akeake kite shaped inlays in the corners of the top, basket weave rewarewa patterned panel, and the use of burr and compression grain totara…
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Cotter Chest c.1885 Made by R Cotter of Bell Road, Remuera, this chest has the distinction of carrying its maker's label. Labels on New Zealand furniture were seldom used but are useful and edifying; like many of his contemporaries Mr Cotter was cabinetmaker, upholsterer and undertaker. The existence of a label helps to identify and attribute design elements and construction methods to regions and makers and to categorize other items of furniture. The drawer fronts are made from rimu, the frame from kauri…
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Art Nouveau rimu side table c.1895 This superb side table demonstrates the changing styles and tastes at the end of the nineteenth century in colonial New Zealand. No longer so isolated by distance there was a constant flow of new immigrants, bringing with them new ideas from Europe that were readily adopted. In reaction to many of the more decorative elements previously fashionable, this fine example of Art Nouveau furniture relies solely on excellent quality rimu and stylised incised carving. Height 70…
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Primitive Cane Seated Rimu Spade Back Chair c.1870 Inspired by the Grecian revival chairs of the English Regency period this evidently 'home-made 'version' unusually incorporates a rewarewa seat frame with a cane infill. This charming chair, probably with commercially produced turned front legs, is important for its high degree of hand work. Ref: Rj Edney, Antiques, Art & Collectables in New Zealand, p 135
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Australian Cedar table c.1830 Australian Red Cedar (Toona Australis) was a fashionable substitute for the mahogany that was vogue in Britain during the earlier part of the colonial period. Made from red cedar with European pine as a secondary timber, it was not uncommon to use recycled packing materials as a secondary timber to compensate for the shortage of seasoned, dried local timbers. This table, unusually square with a single drawer, was probably imported from Australia soon after it was made. Height…
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Red Cedar Sideboard c.1870 The sideboard was an expensive item during the colonial period and accordingly it needed to make a statement. This elegant sideboard, made from Australian Red Cedar (toona australis), spoke of quality and refinement at a time when New Zealand was still a frontier colony. Made from expensive imported red cedar, used to emulate mahogany that was fashionable throughout the empire at the time, it also spoke of prosperity. As was typical; kauri has been used as a secondary timber. The…
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Carrier's sign (on earlier chiffonier back) Sometime in the post-World War I period, probably in the 1920's, an enterprising carrier has recycled an old chiffonier back as a sign advertising his trade. This whimsical sign provides a social commentary of its changing use, from part of a storage cupboard to a sign to its current state as a decorative element and silent commentator of history. Length 118 cm Height 45 cm
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A rosewood Regency two door chiffonier. Floral fretwork upstand and panels, barley twist supports. Height 151 cm. Width 147 cm
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A George III Carved Mahogany Hepplewhite-Style Mirror, carved scroll and floral relief, oak panel backing. 107 x 62 cm Provenance: From the estate of Vincent Cartwright Vickers by descent to the grandaughter now living in New Zealand. Vincent Cartwirght Vickers was a famous industrialist from Sheffield who made Vickers/Amstrong cars, aircraft & military weapons for World War I. He was also the Governor of the Reserve Bank of England
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George III Flame Mahogany Twin Pedestal Sideboard, rope twist supports, four drawers over fitted cupboards containing lead lined wine cooler, rope twist bun feet. No back. Length 214 cm Height 96 cm Depth 61 cm
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An early 19th century mahogany ships chest (ex-Belfast) of 4 drawers, inset brass handles, bun feet. Restored. Height 102 cm. Width 104 cm. Depth 50 cm
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A late Victorian mahogany cased bird diorama featuring grey Warbler, Tomtit, Shining Cuckoo, Rifleman & Kingfisher. Height 85 cm
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A Victorian mahogany specimen butterfly cabinet, 13 (of 14) drawers with various butterflies from around the world, four drawers labelled 'Ceylon', 'Malaya', 'England', 'Africa'. Some butterflies have Latin/ English inscriptions. Height 98 cm. Width 46 cm. Depth 49 cm
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Phyllis Ethel Ginger (?) (1907-2005) Snow Hill, Holburn, London Watercolour Unsigned 40 x 59 cm. We believe this watercolour is by Phyllis Ethel Ginger, an artist and illustrator who most notably worked on the 'Recording of Britain Project' during World War II, alongside artists such as John Piper, William Russell Flint etc
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An Old Turkoman Rug with panelled waziri gol motifs as the essential design element. The execution of design, tonal range and multicoloured kelim skirt are indicative of the weaving from the Dunduz area. Wool on wool. 213 cm x 145 cm
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A fine example of Esari Turkoman woven rug from the Azcha region, Northern Afghanistan with repeating gols with trefoil or clover leaf designs typical of dali carpets, black on red, wool on cotton. 342 cm x 249 cm
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An exquisitely Executed carpet from the Punjab with delicately drawn fluted lilies, floral motifs and islimis surrounding an intricate central medallion, multicoloured on red, wool on cotton. 219 cm x 141 cm
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An Old, Unusual Luri Baft Rug from the Fars Area, South west Iran, with highly stylised floral designs and tree of life motifs, multicoloured on an ivory field. Hand spun wool on a wool warp. 243 cm x 159 cm
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From South West Afghanistan, an Old Rukursi or Soffreh used on the ground to either prepare or serve food, in mixed technique (weft wrapping and carpet knotting), multicoloured, wool on wool. 130 cm x 124 cm
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A Small Rug from the Lahore Region woven in a style reminiscent of Joshegan, multicoloured on red, wool on cotton. 158 cm x 95 cm
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A Remarkable Old Julkhyrs 'Bear Rug' generally used as a bedding rug. Although this form of warp - face weaving is usually associated with the Uzbeks, the use of blue/ black and red suggests a Balouchi or perhaps Timuri connection, wool on wool. 300 cm x 90 cm
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